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Punjab CM Criticizes PM Modi's Foreign Travels Amid Economic Struggles

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has publicly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his foreign travels while urging citizens to limit their own trips due to economic challenges stemming from conflicts in West Asia. Mann questioned Modi's credibility, suggesting that the Prime Minister should lead by example and refrain from international travel. He also addressed rising fuel prices and the government's restrictions on citizens, highlighting the disparity between Modi's calls for austerity and his own actions. This critique comes amidst a backdrop of increasing petrol and diesel prices, raising concerns about the government's handling of the economic situation.
By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2026, 18:09 IST

Punjab Chief Minister's Critique of PM Modi

On Saturday, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the economic repercussions of ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Despite urging citizens to limit foreign travel and gold purchases, Mann pointed out that Modi himself is traveling abroad. He remarked that shortly after the Prime Minister's call for austerity, he embarked on a trip to the Netherlands, with plans to visit three to four additional countries. Mann questioned the Prime Minister's credibility, stating that he should first refrain from his own foreign trips.



Mann further expressed his concerns about the government's restrictions, stating, 'You are asking everyone to stop everything... no gold purchases, no foreign travel, work from home.' Modi is currently on a six-day tour to strengthen bilateral relations with the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. In response to a question regarding Modi's work-from-home policy, Mann challenged why the Prime Minister does not practice what he preaches.




The Chief Minister also criticized the BJP-led central government for rising petrol and diesel prices, questioning the narrative of India becoming a 'Vishwaguru' while it appears to be turning into a 'Vishwachela.' He noted that while conflicts rage elsewhere, restrictions are being imposed domestically, asking why no other country has implemented similar measures.



In light of soaring global crude oil prices, fuel retailers have faced significant losses, leading to a recent increase of ₹3 per liter in petrol and diesel prices—the first hike in over four years. Amid the ongoing turmoil in West Asia, Modi has urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, postpone gold purchases, and limit foreign travel. He has also encouraged the use of metro rail services, carpooling, electric vehicles, and working from home to conserve foreign currency.




Following this public appeal, Modi has reduced the size of his convoy, prompting several BJP Chief Ministers and other leaders to adopt similar measures. The opposition has criticized Modi's appeal, interpreting it as a sign of his 'inability' to manage the crisis.